Henley-on-Todd Regatta
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The Henley-on-Todd Regatta (also called the Todd River Race) is a "boat" race held annually in the typically dry sandy bed of the Todd River in Alice Springs, Australia.[1]
It began – and continues – cautiously as a joke at the expense of the original British colonizers and the formal atmosphere of the British river races which continue today. Every year on the third Saturday of August,
"Boats" are made from metal frames and hung with banners and advertisements, and teams of "rowers" run their boats in races through the hot sand. Races are also held in
History
Reg Smith at the Alice Springs Meteorological Bureau proposed an actual regatta along the lines of the famous Henley Royal Regatta (at Henley-on-Thames, thus the name of the regatta) in 1962. The idea was taken up by the Rotary club of Alice Springs, and despite the fact that the town was 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) from the nearest large body of water this was never seen as a problem.
Watching seemingly sane people race in bottomless "eights", "Oxford tubs", "bath tubs" and yachts through the deep coarse sand of the Todd River is a unique spectacle amongst world sporting events and attracts many local and international participants.
The Henley-On-Todd Regatta is run entirely on a volunteer basis by three Rotary Clubs based in 'the Alice'.
The Todd River was named in 1871 by
See also
References
- ^ Brian Johnston (5 November 2016). Archive on 4 - Down Your Way. Alice Springs. Event occurs at 16:28.
- ^ Turner, Lloyd. "Home". Henley On Todd Regatta. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ^ Herrick, Robert (11 August 2014). "Yellow submarine to make a splash at Henley-on-Todd dry river bed regatta". ABC. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
- ^ Todd River Northern Territory Government Place Names Register Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ Alice Springs (waterhole) Northern Territory Government Place Names Register Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ Alice Springs Telegraph Station Northern Territory Government Place Names Register Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- ^ Alice Springs (town) Northern Territory Government Place Names Register Retrieved 9 June 2020.
External links
- Henley-on-Todd Regatta Official website – Photos, history, contacts, events
- Sydney Morning Herald on Alice Springs – Includes references to the Todd River and the Henley-on-Todd Regatta